Thorns Too Have Their Flowers

Thorns Too Have Their Flowers.

Many things can be done that look well, yet do not issue from the root of charity. Thorns too have their flowers. Some actions seem harsh or savage, but are performed for our discipline at the dictate of charity. Thus, a short and simple precept is given you once for all: Love, and do what you will. Whether you keep silence, keep silence in love; whether you exclaim, exclaim in love; whether you correct, correct in love; whether you forbear, forbear in love. Let love’s root be within you, and from that root nothing but good can spring.

Augustine, 416